British Test & Development Aircraft

Combat Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

This recent release by Combat Decals covers eight examples of British development aircraft.

The subjects are:

• BAe/DERA VAAC Harrier T.4 XW175, RNAS Yeovilton, 2008;

• Panavia Tornado F.2 prototype ZA254, Boscombe Down, early 1980's;

• Gloster Meteor T.7 WA638, used by Martin Baker, RAF Northolt, 2000;

• BAe Harrier GR.9 prototype ZD320, Warton 2006;

• Sepecat Jaguar ACT XX764, Warton 1978;

• Panavia Tornado GR.4 prototype ZG773, Warton 1993;

• Eurofighter Typhoon T.1 (IPA1) ZJ699; and

• BAe Systems/MOD, 1992; BAe Harrier T.10, ZH653 of BAe Systems, Warton 2005.

The first thing that I noticed with the decals reviewed here was how relatively weighty and cram-packed was the standard zip-lock plastic bag compared to most decal packs; there was quite a lot to take a first look at.
The decals come with a colours & markings guide of five folded A4 pages. These are relatively heavy with a glossy finish, and convey an immediate impression of quality.

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Thumbnail panels:

Very nicely printed in colour, each subject has a full page dedicated to it with two profile and upper and lower plan views. There are also detail views of the weapons pylons and undercarriage legs etc, where applicable. Paint colours are cross-referenced to BS381C, FS595, and the Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xtracrylix and Lifecolour paint ranges; so all very thorough and helpful. The decal locations are clearly indicated throughout. Historical notes for each subject are on the last page of the instructions.

The decals are printed on two sheets by Fantasy Printshop, so it should be no surprise that their quality is excellent in all respects.

These include national insignia, graphics, quite extensive stenciling, plus instrument panel and side consol decals for each subject.

Combat Decals is owned by Dave Little, for whom decal production is a part-time activity as I understand he has a fulltime job as well. Combat Decals were previously available through Dave’s website (www.model-craft.co.uk) but this is now inoperative, despite still being listed in the decal instructions. Instead Dave is handling distribution by selling at model shows and through some e-Bay listings, with Freightdog Models as sole stockists and resellers of the brand.

This is a high quality package with superb decals and excellent colour scheme and placement guides. The subject selections appear to be very well researched and executed. Some schemes are simply variations on standard service liveries, whilst others are quite striking, but overall represent an interesting historical selection.   

Definitely highly recommended.

Thanks to Freightdog Models for the review samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 19 March, 2015
Last updated 19 March, 2015

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